Lou Montano to be Inducted into California Wrestling Hall of Fame

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Former Cal Poly wrestler Lou Montano is among nine inductees for the Class of 2012 into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony will be held May 12, 2012, at the Bakersfield Marriott, located adjacent to the Bakersfield Convention Center.

Montano compiled a four year record of 112-16-1 at Cal Poly, setting a record for the most average wins per season. He was twice an NCAA Division I All-American, placing second at 158 pounds as a senior in 1983 with a record of 41-2-1. He also placed eighth in 1982, also at 158 pounds.

Montano's coaching career began at Cal Poly as an assistant coach for three seasons (1984-86). He then moved to Cal State Bakersfield, where he was an assistant for five seasons (1987-91). He became the head coach at Columbia University for the next nine seasons (1992-2000).

Montano was a three-sport athlete for Calexico High School, competing in wrestling, football and baseball. He played quarterback on the football team and was selected MVP in the Desert Valley League. In wrestling, Montano placed third in the California High School State Wrestling Championships in 1978.

Montano, currently testing director at Cal State Bakersfield, has also served wrestling for many years as an wrestling skills technician, making presentations throughout the nation at major camps and clinics.